Plans for Cheshire Dog Park Fetch Attention

Organizers of the non-profit group have raised about $8,000 to build a fence at the now approved location on Waterbury Road.

Volunteer Cindy Forlenzo said at least another $1,000 is needed for the fence project which will provide a leash-free park next to Artsplace at 1286 Waterbury Rd. She said the group hopes to reach its fundraising goal and begin to build the fence at the two-acre site in the spring. 

The Planning and Zoning Commission recenlty approved a special permit application for fencing and overflow parking at Artsplace.

An upcoming fundraiser on October 29 could bring the balance of the funds needed by the group, Forlenzo said. The “2011 Chilly Dog Walk and Run” is about a two mile walk or run with a dog. The event runs from 10 am to 2 pm at .

The walk/run will feature:

• free chili dogs for registrants
• ostume contest for children and their dogs
• children’s arts and crafts
• Powerstation DJ
• state police K-9 demonstration
• canine freestyle, agility, search & rescue demos
• blessing of the dogs
• raffle for prizes

The “2011 Chilly Dog Walk and Run" will partner with Soul Friends, Inc., this year, Forlenzo said. Soul Friends uses the human-animal bond, especially the human-dog bond as an intervention to help children recovering from varying traumatic situations and losses.

As part of the  “2011 Chilly Dog Walk and Run”, a children’s essay contest is being held. Children between the ages of four and 14 may write an essay of less than 250 words about “What My Pet Means to Me.”  The rules can be found at www.soul-friends.org or www.cheshiredogpark.com. The essay information has been distributed to Cheshire schools, Forlenzo said.